Holiday home insurance tips

Today we decorate for many holidays, not just Christmas. But no matter, when you combine electricity, fabric, cords, dry branches, it is a recipe for potential disaster. It is a fire hazard. In fact, carriers say that the December holidays are the period of increased claims. Be sure your Ohio home insurance quotes from https://ohioinsurancequotes.net/ohio-home-insurance-quotes/ protect you in the event of a conflagration.

Fire is not top of mind when we put up a Christmas tree, set off fireworks or light some other display for a holiday celebration. But that’s just when we are careless and a fire can result. Why not think ahead of time with these tips in mind?

Smoke alarms must be installed and you really need to test them each year. Pick a memorable date—January 1 or December 1 and check all alarms to be certain they are in good working order. A smoke alarm is an inexpensive way to protect your family and your home.

All holiday trees should be placed at least three feet from fireplaces, heat vents and candles. In fact, at least three feet from any source of heat is a good rule of thumb. If you can place it even farther away, that is even better. Be sure to maintain the tree tray with water to prevent a tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.

Purchase fire resistant or flame retardant decorations. Do not fasten anything with nails that could puncture an electrical cord. Clips are safer.

If you are connecting mini-lights, no more than three should be connected. If you have bulbs that screw in, do not connect more than 50 of them. As hard as this might sound, do not place lit decorations on doors and windows.

If you leave the house, turn off tree lights and turn them off when you go to bed. All candles should be extinguished.

Be sure to discard all trees as soon as you can—after it begins to drop needles. That means it is drying out and becoming a fire risk. Do not leave it on the side of the house, place it at the curb.

Your kitchen must be equipped with a fire extinguisher and you should have one in other parts of the house as well. Do you know how to use it? Most of us don’t. Be sure to learn how before it becomes critical. These tips will help you prevent a claim.